Making Noah's Ark Work for Fishing Cat Conservation: A Blueprint for Connecting Populations across an Interactive Wild Ex Situ Spectrum.

The One Plan Approach advocates for a hybrid species management framework, wherein captive-bred populations are considered metapopulations nested within a broader network of zoos and wild populations Additionally, the Opportunities to Thrive framework aims to enhance animal welfare by addressing the physiological, psychological, and emotional needs of captive individuals, thereby improving conservation outcomes. Here, we present an integrated framework for the conservation of a globally threatened wetland wild cat species, the fishing cat, by synthesizing optimal ex situ management practices and in situ conservation strategies. Further, we examined the genetic constitution of the founder population in a fishing cat captive breeding program that was recently initiated by the West Bengal Zoo Authority, India and conducted a population viability analysis to suggest how best to maintain the genetic diversity of the population. We found that the present genetic diversity of 56% and maximum carrying capacity of the captive population (30 individuals) can be maintained for more than 100 years with a combination of supplementation and harvesting. Keeping stochastic events in mind, the introduction of two adult males and females to the existing population each year will seamlessly allow the harvesting of two adult males and two adult females every alternate year to supplement wild populations. Further, we adopted the proposed integrated framework to delineate recommendations for the supplementation of wild populations in West Bengal. We used environmental criteria known to influence fishing cat occurrence to identify 21 potential reintroduction zones in the Sundarbans landscape and Terai region in northern West Bengal with habitable areas for the fishing cat that are larger than the maximum known species' home range. Our study is timely and insightful because it provides a holistic blueprint for implementing the One Plan Approach in safeguarding a threatened species.

Detection of Protein Biomarkers Relevant to Sperm Characteristics and Fertility in Semen in Three Wild Felidae: The Flat-Headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii).

Effective wild cat conservation programs with assisted reproductive technologies are being developed in different parts of the world. The flat-headed cat, fishing cat, and Asiatic golden cat are three species among nine wild Felidae in Thailand that are in need of urgent conservation efforts. Here, we assessed routine sperm characteristics and we report the detection of protein biomarkers related to the fertilization process, IZUMO1 and the CRISP family, and apoptotic markers, active or cleaved caspase-3, in semen samples collected from these wild cats. IZUMO1 was located in the equatorial segment of the sperm head, which is the region involved in gamete interaction. The highest levels of IZUMO1 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma of the flat-headed cat, as determined by immunoblotting. CRISP2, a sperm-egg fusion assisting protein, and CRISP3 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma, and the highest levels were observed in the fishing cat. Positive correlations between certain semen parameters and IZUMO1, CRISP2, and CRISP3 expression were also demonstrated. Cleaved caspase-3 was found in all sperm samples in all three species and was associated with an increase in DNA fragmentation and a decrease in certain semen characteristics such as motility, viability, and intact acrosomes. Our results suggest that the analysis of IZUMO1, the CRISP family, and cleaved caspase-3, along with the routine sperm characteristics, may allow for better success in breeding management in wild Felidae, particularly in the flat-headed cat and the fishing cat.

The Minimal Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Spatial Activities of Leopard Cats in Xinlong, China.

The habitat plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of wildlife. However, the increasing disturbances caused by human activities present a substantial threat to habitats, especially for species such as the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), which is a significant small predator. Currently, research on leopard cats predominantly focuses on low-altitude regions within its distribution range, leaving plateau areas understudied. To enhance our understanding of the impact of human disturbances on leopard cat habitats, we undertook a study employing infrared camera trappings to monitor leopard cats' activity in Xinlong of southwestern China between 2015 and 2023. We analyzed the spatial distribution and habitat suitability of the leopard cats by utilizing ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs). Moreover, we employed two-species occupancy models to investigate the spatial interaction between leopard cats and human disturbances. The results indicated that (1) the potential suitable habitat area for leopard cats encompassed approximately 1324.93 km2 (14.3%), primarily located along the banks of Yalong river. (2) The distribution of suitable habitat was predominantly influenced by competitors, specifically the yellow-throated marten (YTM), accounting for 52.4% of the influence, as well as environmental factors such as distance to water (DTW) at 12.0% and terrain roughness index (TRI) at 10.0%. Human interference, including cattle presence (4.6%), distance to road (DTD, 4.9%), and distance to settlement (DTS, 3.5%), had a limited impact on the habitat distribution. (3) Within a 5 km radius, habitat suitability increased with proximity to human settlements. (4) Leopard cats exhibited spatial independence from humans and domestic cattle (species interaction factor (SIF) = 1.00) while avoiding domestic horses (SIF = 0.76 ± 0.03). The relatively minor impact of human disturbances in Xinlong could be attributed to traditional cultural practices safeguarding wildlife and the leopard cat's environmental adaptability. We recommend establishing a novel conservation paradigm based on the living dynamics of wildlife communities in Xinlong, thereby offering a more targeted approach to biodiversity preservation in the future.

Fibrinous pleuritis associated with Streptococcus canis in a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus).

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a small wild cat assessed as an endangered wildlife in Korea. There have been very few reports of their diseases. Herein, we describe fibrinous pleuritis caused by Streptococcus canis infection with excessive pleural effusion, hydropericardium, mild ascites, and liver fibrosis in a leopard cat. S. canis is a commensal microflora in domestic cats and often affects the upper respiratory tract inducing chronic and severe respiratory diseases. However, there is no literature regarding the S. canis in leopard cats. Therefore, we first report fibrinous pleuritis associated with an S. canis infection in a leopard cat.

Intestinal endoparasitism in wild cat (Felis silvestris) from Banat area (Romania).

The wild cat (Felis silvestris), spread in Romania from the Danube Delta to the mountain range is present in the Banat area, on the hunting ground that can be contaminated with different stage developmental forms of parasites, some of them having real zoonotic potential. The wild cat is an animal protected by the Romanian law of protection animals. Coprological samples from 88 wild cats from 16 hunting grounds, as well as the gastrointestinal tract collected from six wild cats cadavers and the molecular characterization of the cestodes identified in their intestines, allowed us to establish intestinal parasitic fauna. During coprological examination Isospora oocysts, tapeworm eggs, eggs of Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma spp. and Capillaria spp were found. At the same time, the form of genera Mesocestoides, Taenia, Toxocara/Toxascaris and Ancylostoma were identified at necropsy. Further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification revealed the species of Taenia taenieformis, and Mesocestoides litteratus, the latter providing a zoonotic potential. This study, the first in the western part of the country (Banat area, Timis County), provides information about the parasitic fauna of wild cats and underlines the importance of the human contamination risk.

Morphological and Genetics Support for a Hitherto Undescribed Spotted Cat Species (Genus Leopardus; Felidae, Carnivora) from the Southern Colombian Andes.

In 1989, a skin of a small spotted cat, from the Galeras Volcano in southern Colombia (Nariño Department), was donated to the Instituto Alexander von Humboldt (identification, ID 5857) at Villa de Leyva (Boyacá Department, Colombia). Although originally classified as Leopardus tigrinus, its distinctiveness merits a new taxonomic designation. The skin is distinct from all known L. tigrinus holotypes as well as from other Leopardus species. Analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes from 44 felid specimens (including 18 L. tigrinus and all the current known species of the genus Leopardus), the mtND5 gene from 84 felid specimens (including 30 L. tigrinus and all the species of the genus Leopardus), and six nuclear DNA microsatellites (113 felid specimens of all the current known species of the genus Leopardus) indicate that this specimen does not belong to any previously recognized Leopardus taxon. The mtND5 gene suggests this new lineage (the Nariño cat as we name it) is a sister taxon of Leopardus colocola. The mitogenomic and nuclear DNA microsatellite analyses suggest that this new lineage is the sister taxon to a clade formed by Central American and trans-Andean L. tigrinus + (Leopardus geoffroyi + Leopardus guigna). The temporal split between the ancestor of this new possible species and the most recent ancestor within Leopardus was dated to 1.2-1.9 million years ago. We consider that this new unique lineage is a new species, and we propose the scientific name Leopardus narinensis.

Neoplasia in captive Tsushima leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus).

The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a subspecies of the mainland leopard cat that lives on the small island of Tsushima, Japan. Captive breeding has been attempted in zoos in Japan because only approximately 100 animals remain in the wild and the Tsushima leopard cat is an endangered species. There are very few reports on diseases, including tumours, of this species. We analysed the deaths of 58 Tsushima leopard cats and confirmed that nine had neoplastic disease. The average age at death of the animals with neoplasia was 14 years and tumours were the primary cause of death in all animals. Eight of the nine cases involved primary tumours of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, tongue and salivary glands, suggesting that Tsushima leopard cats may have a predilection for digestive system tumours. This is the first report of neoplastic disease in the Tsushima leopard cat.

Benign juvenile idiopathic epilepsy in captive Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in the ex situ conservation program (2005-2019).

BACKGROUND: Benign juvenile idiopathic epilepsy has been described in humans but rarely in animals. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical signs, clinical data, imaging findings, genetic examinations, treatment, long-term outcome and prognosis in Iberian lynx with juvenile epilepsy. Medical records, video recordings and diagnostic data from 2005 to 2019 were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty lynx cubs with early onset of epileptic seizures (ES) from the conservation program were included. The average age at seizure onset was 75 days. Isolated and cluster ES were recorded. Focal ES, focal ES evolving into generalized ES with a stereotypical pattern and generalized ES were observed. All the cubs were normal between episodes, had a normal neurological examination and unremarkable investigations. Phenobarbital was used as a first line antiepileptic drug (AED). ES halted 10 days (0-34) after starting treatment in eight out of twenty cubs (40%). Treatment was discontinued in this group after a mean of 578 days and no further ES were reported (mean follow-up longer than 5 years). Eleven animals (55%) continued on AED treatment for a mean of 1306 days (70-3466). An adult-onset was observed for one lynx (5%). Polytherapy was necessary in seven lynxes (35%). The inheritance pattern observed was compatible with an autosomal recessive condition. Based on this assumption, mating between two identified carriers has been avoided since 2012, which may have contributed to the subsequent decrease in prevalence, with no further cases detected in 2018 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Lynx pardinus may have an early onset self-limiting ES syndrome characteristic of benign juvenile idiopathic epilepsy. Information obtained from this study strongly suggests a genetic basis for the here presented epilepsy.

First description of peritoneal and pleural metacestodosis caused by Mesocestoides vogae in a European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris).

Tapeworms of the genus Mesocestoides (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Mesocestoididae) are still enigmatic to scientists, due to their high morphological variability, low host specificity, and unknown details of their life cycle. They are found worldwide, with carnivorous mammals as the main definitive hosts, and the disease is potentially zoonotic. After ingestion by a definitive host, the tetrathyridium can occasionally migrate through the intestinal wall and reach the peritoneal cavity or abdominal organs causing peritoneal metacestodosis. Here, we report on a case of metacestodosis of a European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris) found dead in Croatia. At necropsy, a large number of white, rice-like structures were found free in the abdominal and thoracic cavities, as well as along the serous surfaces and in the lungs. DNA isolated from the nodules was genotyped and based on a 320-base pair long 12S fragment classified as Mesocestoides vogae. Although post-mortem changes were advanced, severe emaciation due to the severe parasitic infection and gastrointestinal bleeding was diagnosed as the likely cause of death. Intestinal cestodosis was previously reported in wild cats, but according to our knowledge, this is the first description of peritoneal and pleural metacestodosis caused by M. vogae tetrathyridia (metacestodes) in any wild carnivore species.

Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue of a cougar (Puma concolor).

Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) have been isolated from domestic and wild cats. For wild cats, the isolation of AMSCs has been reported in the black-footed cats (Felis nigripes) and guigna (Leopardus guigna). Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) isolated from cougar adipose tissue have been used to restore elbow functionality in the cougar (Puma concolor) but multipotent characteristics of these cells have not been described. The present study describes for the first time the isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue of cougar. AMSCs and fibroblasts from six months female cougar were isolated and cultured in DMEM/F12, supplemented with FBS 10% + 1% Antibiotic/Antifungal + 2.4 mM L-Glutamine + 2.4 mM pyruvate up to passage 5. Expression of pluripotent and surface marker genes was evaluated at mRNA level. Mesodermal differentiation (adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic) was described. AMSCs expressed mRNA of pluripotent genes Oct4, Nanog, Sox2 and Klf4 and surface markers Cd44, Cd90, Cd105 and MHCII. Fibroblasts showed similar mRNA expression with the exception of Sox2. AMSCs obtained from cougar exhibit multipotency features similar to domestic cats MSC, nevertheless, other analyses are required. AMSCs from cougar could be a source of interest for treatment of individuals that remain in captivity or arrive to wildlife rehabilitation centers.

The global serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in felids during the last five decades (1967-2017): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Felids (domestic and wild cats) are important in the epidemiology of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of T. gondii in species of the family Felidae. METHODS: We searched seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Proquest and Web of Science) for studies reporting seroprevalence of T. gondii in felids from 1967 to 31 December 2017. A total of 217 published papers, containing 223 datasets were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, comprised 59,517 domestic and 2733 wild cats from 1967 to 2017. RESULTS: The pooled global T. gondii seroprevalence was estimated to be 35% (95% CI: 32-38%) and 59% (95% CI: 56-63%) in domestic cats and wild felids, respectively, using random effects model. The seroprevalence was higher in Australia and Africa where the T. gondii seropositivity in domestic cats was 52% (95% CI: 15-89%) and 51% (95% CI: 20-81%), respectively. The lowest seroprevalence was estimated in Asia 27% (95% CI: 24-30%). The seroprevalence values for T. gondii in wild felids were 74% (95% CI: 62-83%) in Africa, 67% (95% CI: 23-111%) in Asia, 67% (95% CI: 58-75%) in Europe and 66% (95% CI: 41-91%) in South America. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the global prevalence of T. gondii in species of the family Felidae and is a source of information to aid public health workers in developing prevention plans.

Morphology, morphometry, ultrastructure, and mitochondrial activity of jaguar (Panthera onca) sperm.

The jaguar is categorized as "Near Threatened". Conservation strategies, therefore, are needed which include use of reproductive biotechniques. For implementation of biotechnique use, the reproductive characteristics of the species must be understood, which is currently not the case. This study, therefore, aimed to describe the detailed morphology of jaguar sperm, and to evaluate the sperm mitochondrial activity. Five male adults were used. Slides stained with Rose Bengal were used for morphometric and morphological analyses. The length and the width of the sperm head were measured, as well as the length of the middle piece, the tail, and the total length. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used for ultrastructural analysis. Mitochondrial function was assessed using the marker 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB). The results are expressed as means ± SEM. The most significant morphological abnormalities observed were head (9 ± 1.7%) and tail defects (12.5 ± 3.3%). The width and length of the head were 3.6 ± 0.03 µm and 4.9 ± 0.02 µm, respectively. The middle piece measured 9.7 ± 0.3 µm, the tail measured 54.5 ± 4.4 µm, and the total length of the sperm was 59.5 ± 0.1 µm. Electron-lucent regions and approximately 54 mitochondrial spirals in the middle piece were identified in the nucleus using electron microscopy. The greatest percentages of cells were classified as DAB I (46.6 ± 4.9%) and DAB II (38 ± 4.4%). The data provide detailed information on the sperm characteristics of jaguars and can support research on germplasm conservation for the species.

Hepatozoon silvestris sp. nov.: morphological and molecular characterization of a new species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) from the European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris).

Based on morphological and genetic characteristics, we describe a new species of Hepatozoon in the European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris), herein named Hepatozoon silvestris sp. nov. The study also provides the first data on the occurrence of H. felis in this wild felid. Hepatozoon meronts were observed in multiple cross-sections of different organs of four (44%) cats. Additionally, extracellular forms, resembling mature gamonts of Hepatozoon, were found in the spleen and myocardium of two cats. Furthermore, tissues of six animals (67%) were positive by PCR. Hepatozoon felis was identified infecting one cat (11%), whereas the 18S rRNA sequences of the remaining five cats (56%) were identical, but distinct from the sequences of H. felis. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that those sequences form a highly supported clade distant from other Hepatozoon spp. Future studies should include domestic cats from the areas where the wild cats positive for H. silvestris sp. nov. were found, in order to investigate their potential role to serve as intermediate hosts of this newly described species. Identification of its definitive host(s) and experimental transmission studies are required for elucidating the full life cycle of this parasite and the possible alternative routes of its transmission.

Scotopic electroretinography in fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).

OBJECTIVE: To establish baseline normal scotopic electroretinograpic (ERG) parameters for two wild cat species: fishing cats (FC) and leopard cats (LC). ANIMAL STUDIED: Twelve normal, FC and eight LC kept in the Chiang Mai Night Safari Zoo, Thailand. The mean ages of FC and LC were 7.08 and 5.00 years, respectively. PROCEDURE: All animals were studied using a standard scotopic protocol of a portable, handheld, multi-species electroretinography (HMsERG). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the means of ERG b-wave amplitude of the rod response (Rod, 0.01 cd.s/m2 ), a- and b-wave amplitudes of standard light intensity of rod and cone response (Std R&C, 3 cd.s/m2 ) and b-wave amplitude of high light intensity of rod and cone response (Hi-int R&C, 10 cd.s/m2 ) with LC having higher amplitudes than FC. There was no significant difference in a- and b- wave implicit time except for the b-wave of Hi-int (P=0.03). No significant differences were observed in b/a amplitude ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this report provides reference values for scotopic ERG measurements in these two wild cat species. It showed that the normal scotopic ERG responses have some differences between the two species which might be due to the skull conformation, eye size or physiology of the retina.

The Population Origins and Expansion of Feral Cats in Australia.

The historical literature suggests that in Australia, the domestic cat (Felis catus) had a European origin [~200 years before present (ybp)], but it is unclear if cats arrived from across the Asian land bridge contemporaneously with the dingo (4000 ybp), or perhaps immigrated ~40000 ybp in association with Aboriginal settlement from Asia. The origin of cats in Australia is important because the continent has a complex and ancient faunal assemblage that is dominated by endemic rodents and marsupials and lacks the large placental carnivores found on other large continents. Cats are now ubiquitous across the entire Australian continent and have been implicit in the range contraction or extinction of its small to medium sized (<3.5kg) mammals. We analyzed the population structure of 830 cats using 15 short tandem repeat (STR) genomic markers. Their origin appears to come exclusively from European founders. Feral cats in continental Australia exhibit high genetic diversity in comparison with the low diversity found in populations of feral cats living on islands. The genetic structure is consistent with a rapid westerly expansion from eastern Australia and a limited expansion in coastal Western Australia. Australian cats show modest if any population structure and a close genetic alignment with European feral cats as compared to cats from Asia, the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Indian Ocean), and European wildcats (F. silvestris silvestris).

Os ramos colaterais da aorta abdominal em jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) / The collateral branches from abdominal aorta in ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

A jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) é uma das espécies de felino silvestre que pouco foi investigada quanto a sua morfologia. Assim, o estudo objetivou detalhar a origem e distribuição dos ramos colaterais da aorta abdominal deste animal. [...] A aorta abdominal do L. pardalis teve origem entre T12 e L1, sendo a artéria celíaca o primeiro ramo visceral no sentido crânio-caudal, resultando nas artérias hepática, gástrica esquerda e esplênica. A artéria mesentérica cranial surgiu como segundo ramo da aorta abdominal, originando as artérias jejunais. Na sequência localizamos artéria pancreáticoduodenal caudal, artérias ileais, artérias ileocólicas, artérias renais direita e esquerda, artérias adrenais direita e esquerda e artérias ováricas ou testiculares direita e esquerda. Parietalmente, a aorta abdominal originou em média seis ramos lombares, bem como a artéria frenicoabdominal, as artérias circunflexas ilíacas profundas e artérias ilíacas externa e interna. A aorta abdominal gerou ainda a artéria mesentérica caudal, a qual dividiu-se em artérias cólica esquerda e retal cranial. A artéria cólica esquerda seguiu cranialmente paralela ao cólon descendente irrigando-o, originando em média 18 ramos, e anastomosando-se com a artéria cólica média. A artéria retal cranial seguiu em direção caudal distribuindo oito ramos à porção final do cólon descendente e ao reto, e uniu-se com a artéria retal média. Por fim, a aorta abdominal emitiu como ramo terminal a artéria sacral mediana. A vascularização arterial abdominal desta espécie é bastante semelhante ao descrito em felinos domésticos e demais mamíferos, com diferenças quanto ao número de artérias jejunais e origem das artérias renais.

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a species of wild cat that little has been investigated by their morphology. Thus, the study aimed to detail the origin and distribution of collateral branches from abdominal aorta this animal. [...]The abdominal aorta of L. pardalis originated between T12 and L1, and the celiac artery was first visceral branch in the craniocaudal direction, resulting in the hepatic a., gastric left a. and splenic a.. The caudal pancreaticoduodenal a., ileal aa., ileocolic aa., right and left renal aa., right and left adrenal aa., and. right and left ovarian aa. or testicular aa. were founded after. Parietally the abdominal aorta yielded an average of six lumbar branches, as well as frenicoabdominal aa., deep circumflex iliac aa. and external and internal iliac aa.. The abdominal aorta still originated the caudal mesenteric a., which is divided into the left colic a. and the cranial rectal a.. The left colic artery followed cranially parallel to the descending colon irrigating it, originating an average of 18 branches, and anastomosing with middle colic a.. The cranial rectal artery followed caudally emerging into eight branches uniting with the final portion of the descending colon and the rectum, together with the rectal middle a.. Finally, the abdominal aorta emerged as the terminal branch, the median sacral. The abdominal arterial vascularization of the ocelot is quite similar to that described in domestic cats, with differences in the number of jejunal arteries and origin of the renal arteries. The abdominal arterial vasculature of this species is quite similar to that described in domestic cats and other mammals, differing in number of the jejunal arteries and origin of the renal arteries.